28th February, 2024
By Gift Bayo/ Veronica Dariya
Dr Gabriel Ameh, a public health physician, has urged Nigerians to stay hydrated and avoid exhaustion as the period of abnormally hot weather sets in FCT.
Ameh gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.
Nigerians are experiencing a heatwave, causing millions of people to suffer scorching heat.
Ameh said the extreme temperatures, amid the epileptic power supply, could trigger diseases, threaten livestock and even lead to death.
The physician said the heatwave and scorching sun experienced by residents could also trigger severe dehydration respiratory and infections aside from high temperature.
Ameh said people should keep their bodies hydrated always by drinking lots of water.
He said that morbid conditions and underlying cardiovascular diseases that lead to stroke could be caused by exhaustion and excessive heat.
“The consequences may be drastic; the weather is not stable; one minute it is hot, the next it is windy, dusty with a cooler temperature at night or dawn.
“I will advise people to avoid strenuous activities in hot environments; use fans or air-conditioning once there is power and constantly keep yourselves hydrated at all times.
“Wear light clothing and avoid the sun if possible.
“It is better to avoid anything that will cause one to visit the hospital for any medical emergency at this period, especially with the economic challenges to grapple with,’’ he said.
He also advised the use of nose masks when the weather turned dusty and windy, adding that residents should find ways to adapt to climate change.